Chambers Lake Fish Stocking
Thurston County, Washington · 1996–2011 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Chambers Lake was last stocked October 4, 2011 with Channel Catfish. Chambers Lake has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2011, with about 3,467 fish stocked over that period.
When Chambers Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Chambers Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Thurston County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Chambers Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Chambers Lake was last stocked October 4, 2011, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Washington freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Washington license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Washington fish & wildlife agency.Official Washington regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Chambers Lake:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Recommended Tackle for Chambers Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Chambers Lake, freshest activity first.
Ward Lake
2 miThurston County · 4 species · 178 records
Last stocked May 2026
Deschutes River
3 miThurston County · 3 species · 352 records
Last stocked May 2026
Longs Pond
2 miThurston County · 2 species · 180 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lois Lake
2 miGrant County · 1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pattison Lake
4 miThurston County · 4 species · 229 records
Last stocked April 2026
Long Lake
3 miThurston County · 6 species · 286 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 4, 2011 | Channel Catfish | 800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2004 | Channel Catfish | 614 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2000 | Channel Catfish | 218 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 1999 | Channel Catfish | 31 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 1999 | Channel Catfish | 799 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1996 | Channel Catfish | 1,005 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Chambers Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Chambers Lake was last stocked October 4, 2011 with Channel Catfish.
What fish species are stocked in Chambers Lake?
Chambers Lake is stocked with Channel Catfish.
How often is Chambers Lake stocked?
Chambers Lake is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2011.
How many fish have been stocked in Chambers Lake?
About 3,467 fish have been stocked in Chambers Lake across 6 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Chambers Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Washington freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Washington fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.